• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권22호
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• pp.9979-9983
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• 2014

Background: The population of Songkhla, a province in Southern Thailand, can be divided into a predominantly Muslim subpopulation (PMSP, approximately 70% Muslim) and a predominantly Buddhist subpopulation (PBSP, around 14% Muslim). Objectives: This study was conducted to 1) describe the incidence of various cancers in both PMSP and PBSP, and 2) compare the incidence of various cancers between the two subpopulations. Materials and Methods: Cancer cases diagnosed between 1990 and 2010 were drawn from the database of Songkhla Cancer Registry. Population denominators were estimated from the 3 population censuses surveyed by the National Statistical Office of Thailand in 1990, 2000, and 2010. Results: The age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) of the 5 commonest male cancers among both subpopulations were calculated. In females, a lower incidence of cancers of the cervix and breast in PMSP compared to PBSP, with odds ratios of 0.54 (95% CI: 0.45-0.64) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.43-0.60) respectively, was observed. In males, the incidence of cancers of the lung, liver, colon-rectum, and some other cancers were significantly different between the two populations in the past, but only prostate cancer showed a lower incidence among males in PMSP in recent years. Independent of sex and year of diagnosis, the incidence of lung, liver, NHL, and colorectal cancers was lower in MPSP compared to BPSP, with odds ratios of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.65-0.85), 0.74 (95% CI: 0.62-0.88), 0.74 (95% CI: 0.60-0.91), and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.56-0.78) respectively. Conclusions: The differences in incidence of some cancers and religionrelated culture between the two subpopulations need 2 sets of cancer-control plans and goals to fit the unique population context in deep Southern Thailand. This plan can be used in the 3 southernmost provinces of Thailand where the percentage of Muslims is over 85%.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제17권11호
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• pp.4805-4811
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• 2016

Background: Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) less than 2 cm in diameter generally demonstrate a good outcome after curative therapy. However, the diagnosis of small HCC can be problematic and requires one or more dynamic imaging modalities. This study aimed to compare the sensitivity and agreement between CT and MRI for the diagnosis of small HCCs. Methods: CT and/or MRI scans of HCCs (1-2 cm) diagnosed by histopathology or typical vascular pattern according to the 2005 AASLD criteria were blindly reviewed by an abdominal radiologist. The reports were defined as conclusive/typical when arterial enhancement and washout during the portal/delayed phases were observed and as inconclusive when typical vascular patterns were not observed. The sensitivity and Cohen's kappa (k) for agreement were calculated. Results: In 27 patients, 27 HCC nodules (1-2 cm) were included. Diagnosis with a single-imaging modality (CT or MRI) was 81 % versus 48 % (p = 0.01). The CT sensitivity was significantly higher than MRI (78 % versus 52 %, p = 0.04). Among 27 nodules that underwent both CT and MRI, a discordance in typical enhancement patterns was found (k = 0.319, p = 0.05). In cases with inconclusive CT results, MRI gave only an additional 3.7 % sensitivity to reach a diagnosis. In contrast, further CT imaging following inconclusive MRI results gave an additional 29.6 % sensitivity.Conclusions: A single typical imaging modality is sufficient to diagnose small HCCs. Compared with MRI, multiphasic CT has a higher sensitivity. The limitations of MRI could be explained by the greater need for patient cooperation and the types of MRI contrast agent.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권17호
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• pp.7091-7095
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• 2014

Background: The study aimed to evaluate the incidence of CpG island promoter methylation of BMP6, a member of the transforming growth factor beta family, in tissue samples from colorectal cancers (CRC) and look for its association with BMP6 expression and clinicopathological correlation. Materials and Methods: Methylation specific PCR for the BMP6 promoter region was performed with 85 frozen tissue samples of CRC and 45 of normal colon. Methylation status of MLH1 was also determined by the same method. Expression of BMP6 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC), using Allred's scoring system. The methylation status was analyzed against clinical and pathological parameters in CRC. Results: The study revealed BMP6 hypermethylation in 34 of 85 tumor specimens (40%), and 15 out of 45 normal tissue samples from CRC (33%). The incidence of hypermethylation was inversely correlated with IHC score. Allred's scores of 7 or more were correlated with lower frequency of BMP6 hypermethylation (29% compared to 50% in the remaining, p-value 0.049). However, there was no association between hypermethylation status and any clinicopathological parameters. The methylation status of BMP6 was not correlated with that of MLH1, a key methylation determinant in CRC. On survival analysis, there was no significant difference in progress-free survival (PFS) between the cases with and without hypermethylation (2-year PFS 74% and 76%, respectively). Conclusions: CpG island methylation of BMP6 is found in high frequency in CRC and this epigenetic event is associated with suppressed protein expression in the tumor tissue. However, the marker is not associated with tumor progression of the disease.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제9권5호
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• pp.591-595
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• 1996

This paper presents results from a study of the age and weight at puberty of Thai does. A randomized block $3{\times}3$ factorial design was used. Factors were genotype (Thai Native; TN, 75% TN $\times$ 25% Anglo-Nubian; AN and 50 TN $\times$ 50% AN does), year of kidding (1989, 1990 and 1991) and birth type (single or twin) as a block. It was shown that there were no significant (p > 0.05) difference in age at puberty among genotypes ($167.6{\pm}6.0$, $157.6{\pm}7.0$ and 160.0 = 4.7 days for TN, 75% TN $\times$ 25% AN and 50% TN $\times$ 50% AN does, respectively) and between birth types. However, does kidded in 1991 had significantly (p < 0.01) longer age at puberty ($194.0{\pm}7.4$ days) than did does kidded in 1989 ($143.0{\pm}4.5$ days) or in 1990 ($148.1{\pm}5.7$ days). There was an interaction effect between genotype and year. Fifty % TN $\times$ 50% AN does had significantly (p < 0.05) higher weights at pubery ($17.2{\pm}0.4kg$) than those of TN($14.3{\pm}0.5kg$ and 75% TN $\times$ 25% AN ($14.4{\pm}0.6kg$) does. There was no significant difference in weights at puberty between TN and 75% TN $\times$ 25% AN does. There was no effect of birth type on weight at puberty. There was an interaction effect between genotype and year of kidding on age and weight at puberty and on growth rate from birth to weaning.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권20호
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• pp.9015-9019
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• 2014

The study aimed to compare the 2 main types of insurance used by colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in a university hospital in Thailand: universal coverage (UC) and 'Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme' (CSMBS) in terms of hospital expenditure and survival outcomes. CRC cases in stages I-IV who were operated on and had completed their adjuvant therapy in Songklanagarind Hospital from 2004 through 2013 were retrospectively reviewed regarding their hospital expenditure, focusing on surgical and chemotherapy costs. Of 1,013 cases analyzed, 524 (51.7%) were in the UC group while 489 (48.3%) belonged to the CSMBS group. Cases with stage IV disease were significantly more frequent in the UC group. Average total treatment expenditure (TTE) was 143,780 Thai Baht (THB) (1 US$ =~ 30 THB). The TTE increased with tumor stage and the chemotherapy cost contributed the most to the TTE increment. TTE in the CSMBS group was significantly higher than in the UC group for stage II-III CRCs. The majority of cases in the UC group (65.5%) used deGramont or Mayo as their first line regimen, and the proportion of cases who started with a capecitabine-based regimen (XELOX or $Xeloda^{(R)}$) was significantly higher in the CSMBS group (61.0% compared to 24.5% in the UC group, p-value < 0.01). On survival analysis, overall survival (OS) and progress free survival in the CSMBS group were significantly better than in the UC group. The 5-year OS in the CSMBS and UC groups were 84.3% and 74.6%, respectively (p-value < 0.01). In conclusion, the study indicates that in Thailand, the type of insurance influences resource utilization, especially the choice of chemotherapy, in CRC cases. This disparity in treatment, in turn, results in a gap in treatment outcomes.

• Korean Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
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• 제17권1호
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• pp.48-55
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• 2016

Risk management is an important element for successful management of overseas construction projects. This study reports a case study in which we proposed a risk management planning and procedure for plant construction which can be applied throughout the project life cycle. We analyzed the risk management practices of Korean construction companies by applying the concept of the PRINCE2 method developed in the UK, and proposed a risk management planning and procedure with organizational structure and working process. The suggested risk management planning and procedure was applied to an overseas plant construction project, and produced good results. It is believed that the procedure suggested here can also be aplied to other companies to enhance the competency in the global construction market.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제5권2호
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• pp.86-90
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• 2014

Background: Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) was selected as a biomarker of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to explore the accumulation level in the bodies of workers at rubber smoke sheet factories in southern Thailand. Methods: Spot urine samples were taken from four groups of workers from June 2006 to November 2007. The nonexposure or control groups included habitual cigarette smokers and nonsmokers. The other two groups were workers exposed to particle-bound PAHs from rubber wood smoke and they were nonsmokers. All spot urine samples were analyzed for 1-OHP and creatinine levels. Results: The mean${\pm}$standard deviation urinary 1-OHP in the control group of habitual smokers and the nonsmokers was $0.24{\pm}0.16{\mu}mol/mol$ creatinine and not-detected to $0.14{\mu}mol/mol$ creatinine, respectively. In the workers, the 1-OHP levels on workdays had no significant difference from the 1-OHP levels on the days off. The yearly average 1-OHP level was $0.76{\pm}0.41{\mu}mol/mol$ creatinine whereas the average 1-OHP level during 10 consecutive workdays was $1.06{\pm}0.29{\mu}mol/mol$ creatinine (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The urinary 1-OHP levels of workers exposed to PAHs were high. The accumulation of 1-OHP in the body was not clear although the workers had long working hours with few days off during their working experience. Therefore, a regular day off schedule and rotation shift work during high productive RSS should be set for RSS workers.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제57권5호
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• pp.469-479
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• 2019

Plasmodium vivax is usually considered morbidity in endemic areas of Asia, Central and South America, and some part of Africa. In Thailand, previous studies indicated the genetic diversity of P. vivax in malaria-endemic regions such as the western part of Thailand bordering with Myanmar. The objective of the study is to investigate the genetic diversity of P. vivax circulating in Southern Thailand by using 3 antigenic markers and 8 microsatellite markers. Dried blood spots were collected from Chumphon, Phang Nga, Ranong and, Surat Thani provinces of Thailand. By PCR, 3 distinct sizes of $PvMSP3{\alpha}$, 2 sizes of $PvMSP3{\beta}$ and 2 sizes of PvMSP1 F2 were detected based on the length of PCR products, respectively. PCR/RFLP analyses of these antigen genes revealed high levels of genetic diversity. The genotyping of 8 microsatellite loci showed high genetic diversity as indicated by high alleles per locus and high expected heterozygosity ($H_E$). The genotyping markers also showed multiple-clones of infection. Mixed genotypes were detected in 4.8% of $PvMSP3{\alpha}$, 29.1% in $PvMSP3{\beta}$ and 55.3% of microsatellite markers. These results showed that there was high genetic diversity of P. vivax isolated from Southern Thailand, indicating that the genetic diversity of P. vivax in this region was comparable to those observed other areas of Thailand.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.501-509
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• 2021

More than half the world's population is thought to be infected with Helicobacter pylori. Although the majority of infected people are asymptomatic, H. pylori infection may cause gastric ulcers and deadly gastric cancer. Owing to the difficulty and invasiveness of current routine culture and diagnostic methods, a highly sensitive and specific noninvasive assay for H. pylori is of interest. This study highlighted the design and performance of a colorimetric magneto loop-mediated isothermal amplification (CM-LAMP) assay to detect H. pylori in spiked saliva samples. LF primers were coated on magnetic nanoparticles by carbodiimide-induced immobilization and functionally used for solid-phase amplification. During the LAMP reaction at 66℃, biotin-tagged FIPs were incorporated into LAMP amplicons. The colorimetric signal developed after the addition of NeutrAvidin horseradish peroxidase conjugate (NA-HRP) and ABTS. None of the tested microorganisms, including closely related bacteria, was shown positive by the CM-LAMP assay except H. pylori isolates. This novel platform was highly specific and 100-fold more sensitive (40 CFU/ml or 0.2 CFU per reaction) than the PCR and conventional LAMP assays for the detection of H. pylori in spiked saliva. Our results demonstrated the feasibility of using this noninvasive molecular diagnostic test to detect H. pylori in saliva samples.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제57권4호
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• pp.369-377
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• 2019

Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) resistance is widespread throughout the Greater Mekong Subregion. This raises concern over the antimalarial treatment in Thailand since it shares borders with Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar where high ACT failure rates were reported. It is crucial to have information about the spread of ACT resistance for efficient planning and treatment. This study was to identify the molecular markers for antimalarial drug resistance: Pfkelch13 and Pfmdr1 mutations from 5 provinces of southern Thailand, from 2012 to 2017, of which 2 provinces on the Thai- Myanmar border (Chumphon and Ranong), one on Thai-Malaysia border (Yala) and 2 from non-border provinces (Phang Nga and Surat Thani). The results showed that C580Y mutation of Pfkelch13 was found mainly in the province on the Thai-Myanmar border. No mutations in the PfKelch13 gene were found in Surat Thani and Yala. The Pfmdr1 gene isolated from the Thai-Malaysia border was a different pattern from those found in other areas (100% N86Y) whereas wild type strain was present in Phang Nga. Our study indicated that the molecular markers of artemisinin resistance were spread in the provinces bordering along the Thai-Myanmar, and the pattern of Pfmdr1 mutations from the areas along the international border of Thailand differed from those of the non-border provinces. The information of the molecular markers from this study highlighted the recent spread of artemisinin resistant parasites from the endemic area, and the data will be useful for optimizing antimalarial treatment based on regional differences.